1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 1981 Volvo 260 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Bristol 603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Bristol 603 would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 260 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1981 Volvo 260.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1976 Bristol 603 (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 260. (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 603 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2660 mm |
